In 1880 the population for Troy township had increased to 1,083 and Murray was a growing community. The Murray Plow Factory (J. C. Strawn, lessee) was erected in 1880. It was run by steam power. The boiler was ten feet long by four feet in diameter, and the engine was twenty five horsepower. The factory had fifty feet of shafting. Plows were made to order, and all kind of plow and cultivator repairing were undertaken. The forges were all supplied by a blast from the Boston Twenty-four inch noiseless blower, The population of Murray alone had increased to 666 in 1890. The market prices had picked up and corn sold for 27¢ a bushel, oats 20 & 22¢, butter 17¢ a lb., eggs 20¢ per dozen, apples 40¢ a bushel, fat steers $3.00, spring chickens 5¢ a pound. M. L. Evans Livery and Feed Stable (picture below left), was one of the largest in southern Iowa. There was stable room for nearly one hundred head of horses. His vehicles including a hearse, three carriages, two trunk wagons and many buggies, were ready for immediate use. This building stood where 0. J. Lambs Garage now stands, Mr. Evans established his livery stable on coming to Murray being associated with his brother, Marshall Evans, until 1885 when he bought his brother's interest and carried on the business alone, |
This carriage works and livery stable was located east of city hall.
Above: Marshall & Alta Evans. Below: Front row: Mitchell Evans, Otho, Margaret. Back row: Mabel and Maude. |
